Prolific midfielder Bradley Hill is officially a Saint after a deal was struck with the Fremantle Football Club today.
Hill’s request to join the Saints was granted, with Fremantle’s future third-round selection also accompanying the 26-year-old to RSEA Park.
In exchange, St Kilda handed pick No. 10 (on-traded from Port Adelaide), Blake Acres, pick 58, and the Saints’ future second and fourth-round picks to the Dockers.
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List Manager James Gallagher said Hill’s speed, class and experience was a significant addition to the club’s playing stocks.
“To secure a player of Bradley’s calibre is extremely exciting for the club and our supporters,” Gallagher said.
Players with his combination of speed, running power and class are rare, and his inclusion will immediately add a different element to our midfield.
“He wins a lot of the ball, uses it well and has performed at a very high level over a long period of time, and pleasingly believes his best football is ahead of him.
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“We started the Trade Period knowing it would take a significant deal to satisfy the Dockers.
“Thankfully, we have been able to reach an agreement which reflects Bradley’s value as a contracted player and one of the game’s best outside midfielders.”
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The triple-premiership former Hawk and 2017 Doig Medallist said he was thrilled to join the red, white and black.
“I’m excited to join St Kilda and look forward to repaying the club’s faith in me,” Hill said.
With the other guys joining the club in the Trade Period, and a lot of talented young guys at the Saints already, I can’t wait to get started.
“I’ll always be thankful to Fremantle for the opportunity, but I’m looking forward to returning to Melbourne with my partner and becoming a part of the Saints family.”
Hill played 95 games across five seasons for Hawthorn before returning to his home state of Western Australia, where he represented Fremantle for three years.
Hill was originally selected with pick No. 33 in the 2011 National Draft.
General Manager of Football Simon Lethlean thanked Acres for his contribution to the Saints.
“Blake has been a popular member of our playing group, and was someone who always bought into the culture we are building,” Lethlean said.
“We wish him well at the Dockers and thank him for his commitment to St Kilda over the past six years.”
Acres has played 75 games for the Saints since being drafted from West Perth in the 2013 AFL Draft.
BRADLEY HILL CAREER STATS
Pick No. 33 in the 2011 Draft
149 AFL games (95 for Hawthorn, 54 for Fremantle)
3 x Premiership player (2013, 2014, 2015)
Fremantle Best & Fairest winner (2017)
NAB Rising Star nominee (2013)
